happens. It's easy to overlook things that may not seem that big of a
deal while dating, but these things could be destructive patterns once
married. But love doesn't have to be blind. There's no reason to
settle for unhealthy or harmful relationships, simply to pursue being
married.
We all have sin issues that we deal with on a daily basis. We've all
made mistakes that we often wish we could do-over. We all need the
grace and freedom that only Christ Himself can offer. But our
marriages are healthier when we recognize red flags in our dating
relationships, instead of choosing not to see problems at all.
God cares about the decisions we make. He cares about who we marry.
And we can trust He will give guidance, and help us see some red flags
to be aware of along the way.
1. The Unbeliever – Be careful not to settle for less than what God
would want for the spiritual health and care of your marriage.
Marriage can be tough enough at times, add to that the pressure of
opposing spiritual views, and you may be in big trouble when the
normal stressors of life occur. If you hold vastly different beliefs
now, don't falsely assume you'll get her to "turn around," or change
her ways later. It may happen, but it may not.
"Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has
righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with
darkness?" 2 Cor. 6:14
2. The Abuser – Many times "abusers" are assumed to be men, but women
struggle with this same trap too, and the man in her life may feel
like it's difficult to talk about the problem or find help. Men can
often become the invisible victims of relationship abuse and find
themselves dealing with deep levels of shame, guilt, and inadequacy.
Ps. 11:5 says, "The Lord examines the righteous, but the wicked and
those who love violence, he hates." This verse reminds us of how God
feels about the heart which instigates violence. No one deserves to be
abused. Ever. Move quickly away from the one who brings you physical,
verbal, or deep emotional harm. You are not their saving grace. That
is God's work. Marriage must be built on deep love and respect, and
abuse of any type has no place there.
3. The Controller, Manipulator – This person's subtle, dangerous
behavior can indicate big trouble ahead. What might be disguised as "I
just care about you," can really be a need for constant control or a
heart of jealousy. She may dominate and strive to make decisions for
you, especially in regards to whom you spend your time with. She might
check up on you frequently, keep close tabs, or falsely accuse you of
cheating on her. The one driven by control needs will have continual
issues with whether she can "trust you." Often, under her grasp, you
may start to feel like you can hardly breathe. It's suffocating. It's
supposed to be, that's how you're held tightly.
James 3:16 says, "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there
will be disorder and every vile practice." And that is no place to
start a marriage.
4. The Angry, Contentious Woman – If your partner can't control her
temper before you're married, she most certainly won't after you're
married. In most cases, her behavior will worsen. No matter what our
personality type, it still doesn't give us room to plow over anyone in
our pathway with cruel words and rants. Take time to see how she
responds in different scenarios, especially when under pressure.
Proverbs 25:24, "It is better to live in a corner of the roof than in
a house shared with a contentious woman." This is more than, "I'm just
having a bad day." An angry, quarrelsome disposition has a pattern of
negativity, harsh words, and flaring tempers. The key is – does she
realize it's an area of weakness that she desires for God to change?
If the answer is "no," steer clear.
5. The Seducer – Behaviors established before marriage are not going
to magically go away once you say, "I do." Sexual sin can be a deep
trap of the enemy and once ensnared in these destructive patterns,
they are difficult to break. Yet the pain or mistakes of the past
should hold no control over our present and future. God redeems, sets
free, and desires to make us new.
Make the choice together to live by His standards in your
relationship. The lies of the world say that sex before marriage is
normal, no big deal. Yet it's a huge deal. Don't fall for the enemy's
lie. The heart of Christ seeks the best for the one they love,
desiring to build up, protect, and encourage healthy, safe patterns.
In the story of Joseph in Genesis 39, we see Potiphar's wife pursuing
him with sexual advances day after day. It was relentless. But he did
not fall. The Bible says, "he fled." Wise man.
6. The Deceiver, Liar - Every marriage must be built on trust. Without
this as a firm foundation, you're in for trouble from the beginning.
So what about those "little white lies" you started noticing along the
way? In reality, there's no such thing as little white lies. Any lie
is meant to hide, deceive, or manipulate truth. There is no room for
dishonesty in a healthy, loving relationship. It's a dangerous trap
and you will always be left wondering what she's hiding.
In Judges 16, we read the story of Delilah, who plotted and tricked
the strong man Samson, ultimately deceiving him. He was foolishly
lured by her entices and fell into deep destruction because of it.
Left to our own thoughts, we, like Samson, may miss the signal that
there's trouble ahead.
7. The Addict – This person needs freedom that can only come by
admitting there's a problem, seeking professional help and leaning on
the strength that God can bring. Addiction to alcohol, drugs,
pornography, or destructive habits will lead to deep troubles ahead.
And though your relationship may seem to challenge her in the right
direction, don't be fooled that she'll so quickly "give it all up for
you," without the aid and accountability of professional help.
You are not the one to set her free and your role is not to try to
change their heart. Only God can do that. 1 Cor. 6:12 says, "All
things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All
things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything."
8. The Narcissist, Diva - No matter how beautiful, talented, and
charming she may seem, marriage is built on the word "together." If
the relationship before marriage seems to constantly be all about her,
you may be in for some struggle ahead. The "Diva" generally refers to
one who demands the center of attention and focus at the expense of
others' feelings. Humility, compassion, love, and respect are much
more admirable characteristics than simply the externals. "Charm is
deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be
praised" Prov. 31:30.
9. The Gold Digger/Big Spender - Secretive spending habits? More
interested in your bank account or what you can buy her, than in you?
Once married, these patterns can worsen when the stressors of family
life and responsibilities mount high. Money problems and financial
struggles are one of the main causes of divorce. Look for the red
flags and decide up front if the two of you can agree on the big
issues. "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some
people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced
themselves with many griefs" 1 Tim. 6:10.
10. The One Who Won't Leave the Nest – It's difficult to live a future
of becoming one flesh when either partner is still joined too tightly
to their parents. Nothing wrong with having close, healthy
relationships with our parents throughout life, until you allow it to
consume your decision making or control your marriage. Parents are
meant to offer protection to children, even adult children. But upon
marriage, the spouse should be given that primary place of leadership
and care, under God's authority. Talk about healthy boundaries before
you marry, don't dismiss it as "no big deal." You may find out later
how big a deal it was. "For this reason a man shall leave his father
and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one
flesh." Gen. 2:24
The healthiest marriages are not made up of two seemingly "perfect"
people, but two forgiven people who have the capacity, by the grace of
God, to keep offering forgiveness to one another.
God's Word gives guidance for marriage and offers plenty of examples
for wise living. It really comes down to a choice. What do we believe
about what He says, and will we look to Him for wisdom in
relationships and in how we live our lives?
There's a battle over marriages today, and the enemy would love
nothing more than to destroy yours before it's hardly even begun, or
to entice you into a harmful one. Don't let Him win. Search God's Word
for what He has to say. His are the words that matter most.
No comments:
Post a Comment